PROF (DR.) SHAKTI KUMAR GUPTA
AIIMS Jammu’s journey, right from it’s inception, is guided by our “Trinity of Mission”, Medical Education & Training, Healthcare Research, and Comprehensive Patient Care. We firmly believe that medical education must be rooted in strong values, research should aim for the highest quality, and patient care must be driven by evidence-based practices. At AIIMS Jammu, we integrate clinical and community care to impact lives profoundly, ensuring our healthcare initiatives reach every corner of society with dedication and excellence.
Our commitment to these principles has led to significant advancements in these areas:
Medical Education & Training
In three transformative years, AIIMS Jammu has become a beacon of excellence in medical education, starting with 50 MBBS students in 2020 and 100 students in 2024.
The B.Sc. Nursing program has also commencedwith 60 students enrolled this year.
In July 2024, 45 Post Graduate seats across Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry have been introduced and we are poised to launch Super Specialization courses (DM/MCh) in January 2025.
Our exceptional educational environment includes state-of-the-art lecture theatres, advanced laboratories, and labs. We also offer a unique 24/7 digital library, and dedicated mentors who guide students throughout their academic journey, ensuring their success.
Research
It is noteworthy that AIIMS Jammu, in a remarkably short span of time, is leading a multi-centric research project involving nearly six AIIMS, with funding of 25 crores from ICMR.A total of 81 research projects are currently in progress.
Clinical Care
AIIMS Jammu has commenced its OPD, IPD, OT and Emergency services.AIIMS Jammu has been serving nearly 800-1000 patients daily since the launch of its OPD services, with the number expected to rise to around 2500 patients in the coming months, drawing patients from Jammu, Kashmir, Leh, and neighbouring states like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The IPD facility, which currently has 100 beds, is already addressing the needs of the community, with plans to increase capacity to 250 beds within a month and to reach the full 750-bed capacitywithin six months. OT services have also begun.Immunization services have been initiated in the OPD.
The Institute has functionalized 24X7 lab services and a 3 Tesla MRI, with a state-of-the-art 128-slice CT scan, Digital X-ray services, Endoscopy and Colonoscopy Services, Jan Aushadhi and Amrit Pharmacy and Night Shelter.
The digitalization of AIIMS Jammu is underway, with an Indoor Patient Navigation System already implemented in the OPD and set to expand to other areas.The Indoor Patient Navigation System at AIIMS Jammu exemplifies our dedication to patient-centric care. It provides the Real-time location tracking via user-friendly maps, ensuring patients can easily find their way to various area. It also provides Voice-guided navigation for visually impaired individuals and efficient route calculation for patients with mobility limitations. It provides detailed directions to departments, wards, and facilities, minimizing the need for staff assistance, and information about nearby amenities like restrooms, cafeterias, and waiting areas to enhance visit planning. Additionally, our Patient Assistant services, Patient Care Coordinators, Patient Care Managers, and upcoming Smart Payment Cards are designed to further enrich the patient experience, affirming AIIMS Jammu’s commitment to being a truly “Patient-Centric Hospital”.Our goal is to achieve complete healthcare digitalization within a year, with progress marked by identified key milestones.
Community Care
AIIMS Jammu extends its impact beyond institutional boundaries through a variety of outreach activities, telemedicine services, and the Poison Information Centre, reaching even the most remote corners of society.
In the digital age, AIIMS Jammu leverages platforms such as YouTube and blogs to conduct informative talks, sharing valuable knowledge and insights with a diverse audience. These efforts are complemented by on-ground camps that offer hands-on experiences, further extending our reach and impact within the community.
Collaborations
Integration of AYUSH with modern technology is supported through collaborations with prestigious institutions like IIT, IIM, and IIIM, as well as partnerships with Naturopathy and others. These alliances are essential for creating a responsive, adaptable, and globally connected healthcare ecosystem.
Internationally, we have established a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), USA, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and start-ups in the healthcare sector.
Additionally, we are making significant strides in enhancing our research and innovation capabilities. This includes establishing an Industry-Academia Interface to foster collaborative research, creating a Centre for Predictive Medical Technology to drive advancements in precision healthcare, and developing cutting-edge centers for Robotics and Techno Surgery to integrate modern technology into medical practice.
Environment Friendly Initiatives
AIIMS Jammu is dedicated to fostering a green and eco-friendly environment as part of our commitment to sustainability and minimizing our ecological footprint.We have adopted green building practices and energy-efficient systems to support our vision of a sustainable future like use of electric vehicles, “Parikrama Sewa”.
Key initiatives also include Tree plantation drives, with a goal of planting 13,500 trees and 5,00,000 shrubs, Installation of a solar panel system to harness renewable energyand a comprehensive waste management system.
AIIMS Jammu’s dedication to environmental care was recognized with the “Best Project” award during the 170th CPWD Annual Day, presented by Hon’ble Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar.
Job Opportunities for Locals
Our recruitment strategy at AIIMS Jammu is thoughtfully designed to align quality healthcare delivery with opportunities for local residents. Currently out of our total staff of 1,476 members, 857 (58%) are local residents.
Unity in Diversity
As we celebrate our achievements, it is with immense pride that we highlight AIIMS Jammu’s evolution into a cosmopolitan institution. Our faculty, Senior Residents. Nurses, administrative staff, technicians, and others represent a rich tapestry of India’s diverse regions. With staff hailing from 20 states and 3 Union Territories, and the highest representation from J&K, AIIMS Jammu examplifiesthe “Unity in Diversity” that is a cornerstone of our nation.
Gender Equality
Our gender-sensitive policies and specialized leadership programs reflect our commitment to creating a balanced and inclusive workplace. Currently, our workforce comprises 1,476 staff members, with 671 (45%) females. Excluding outsourced staff, we have 821 members, where 67% are female.
Future Vision
AIIMS Jammu is embarking on an ambitious journey to establish itself as a “Global Village” with several ‘Centres of Excellence, aimed at ensuring the success and impact of our healthcare and educational endeavors. Our vision encompasses a multidimensional approach, featuring specialized centers in areas such as Institute of Traumatology, Telemedicine and Telecare, Nursing, Comprehensive Cancer Care, Advanced Studies in Hospital Administration, Ophthalmology, Dental Sciences, Forensic Sciences, and Comprehensive Community Outreach Services.
We express our sincere gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, for his vision and invaluable support to AIIMS Jammu. We are alsograteful to the Minister of Health & Family Welfare, JP Nadda, andto the Lt. Governor of the Union Territory of J&K, Manoj Sinha, for their continuous and exceptional motivation and guidance. AIIMS Jammu is thankful to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, for their unwavering trust, and faith. The institution is also proud of its healthcare team for their relentless dedication and commitment.
(The Writer is CEO and Executive Director AIIMS, Jammu)